New Amendments in WC 2010 - 1 June

Laws 1:
The goalposts and crossbar be made of wood, metal or other approved material. They must be square, rectangular, round or elliptical in shape and must not be dangerous to players.
Reason:
Goalpost and crossbar of other shape are not permitted.

Guidelines for Referees:
Injured Player:
Exceptions to this ruling are to be made only when:
- a goalkeeper is injured
- a goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided and need immediate attention
- players from the same team have collided and need immediate attention
- a severe injury occurred, e.g. • swallowed tongue, concussion, broken leg
Reason:
It is considered unfair that players of the same team who collide are currently required to leave the field of play to receive treatment leaving the team concerned at a numerical disadvantage.

The stretcher bearers should only enter the field of play with a stretcher following a signal from the referee.
Reason:
Stretcher-bearers’ mandatory entry onto the field of play for all injuries where a doctor is requested frequently causes unnecessary disruption to the game.

Amendments will be enforced on 1 June 2010 in the World Cup 2010.

FITNESS TEST FOR ISLANDS' REFEREES

Football Association of Maldives extended the registration of referees to all islands' referees who have attended referees courses by FAM. The FIFA Physical Fitness Test was carried in Bandidhoo (19 March 2010), Vilingili (8 April 2010) and Thinadhoo (9 April 2010). FAM's instructor Ahmed Abeer Ismail and Amir Sharifuddin Wong (Referees Director) conducted the test. Referees who passed the fitness test will be given the opportunities in advance courses, assessment of performance, promotion and other facilities.
The successful referees from Gaafu Alifu Vilingili are Mohamed Khaleel, Shifaz Zahir, Agleem Rashaad, Muslim Abdul Hakeem, Ibrahim Zahid and Mazeed Abdullah (6)
Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo: Ahmed Visham, Hussain Abdul Haleem, Arif Rasheed, Ahmed Abdullah, Ibrahim Azhar, Hussain Ahmed, Ahmed Abdulla and Ahmed Jaleel (8).
No referee passed in Bandidhoo. The referees in Nilandhoo will be tested in June. This test will also be conducted in Haa Alifu Did-dhoo.

Saleem for AFC Champions League - Australia

Maldives' top referee, ALI SALEEM have been chosen to officiate in the AFC Champions League between Australia and China in Melbourne, Australia on the 14th April 2010. He has been selected by AFC as the Fourth Official for this match.

Saleem is also in the AFC Elite Referees panel, a group of Member Association's top referees selected to handle all the top matches in the Asian region. This achievement, FAM hopes that will inspire many younger referees to aspire to be FIFA Referee and to achieve the highest level of performance and to be be better that Saleem, if not be like him. Good luck to Saleem and all the referees in this season of a new brand of Dhiraagu Dhivehi League.